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Ambode Inaugurates N500m Disability Trust Fund

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By Dipo Olowookere

Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the Governor of Lagos State, inaugurated the Governing Board of the Office for Disability Affairs on Tuesday to manage the N500 million Disability Trust Fund.

The Governor expressed optimism that it would aid people living with disabilities in the state realize their dreams and live a more comfortable life.

Mr Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Alausa, while inaugurating the Board, said it was in fulfilment of his administration’s promise to ensure that the affairs of people living with disabilities is managed by people passionate enough to show that there is ability in disability.

Describing the development as another milestone in his commitment to run an all-inclusive government, the Governor said the Board will, on behalf of the State Government, manage the affairs of people living with disabilities by issuing guidelines for their education, social development and welfare.

“The Board will also manage the Disability Trust Fund. In fulfilment of the promise I made on May 29th, 2016, this Fund has in its kitty today, N500m with a marching order to solicit from the public and other charitable organisations, additional support for its objectives.

“We could not have done otherwise, given the array of people with disabilities who possess requisite qualification, experience and character.

“In addition, we believe in their ability to manage the Disability Trust Fund more judiciously because they have a more personal understanding of the needs and situation of our less privileged people. This fund will give our brothers and sisters a needed boost to make a livelihood for themselves and a chance to fulfil their potentials,” the Governor said.

The Governor, however, assured that notwithstanding the N500million Trust Fund, people living with disabilities are still eligible to access the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF).

Governor Ambode, while congratulating the members of the Board, tasked them to ensure that the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and fairness are observed in administering the Fund and coordinating all affairs concerning people living with disabilities.

“It is my belief that the fund should provide infrastructure and facilities required by needed parties to also complement the efforts of our administration,” he said.

Earlier, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said that people living with disabilities have the same right as everyone else, noting that with proper planning, a person with special needs can have a more fulfilling, healthier and enjoyable life, hence the fulfilment of the Governor’s promise of the N500million fund to take care of people living with disabilities.

“This is an important step towards scaling up efforts to address disability inclusion and further strengthen the fact that social exclusion of persons living with disabilities is unacceptable in the face of economic and social progress in the state”, Akinbile-Yusuf said.

In his vote of assurance, Chairman of the Board of Trustee, Office For Disability Affairs, Dr. Oki Olabodunrin Waheed, thanked the Governor for reposing confidence in him and his team, just as he assured that they would discharge their duties conscientiously.

Other members of the Board are Leila Omawumi Atake, Rose Ekaete Mordi, Abdulwahab Matepo, Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, Dr Adebayo Adebukola Shehu, Biola Liadi, Bada Emmanuel Oladipupo, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, representing the Ministry of Youth and Social Development; and Dr Babatunde Awelenje.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Lagos Police Investigates Ammunition Package Delivery to First Bank MD

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State Police Command is investigating the delivery of a parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the managing director of First Bank Nigeria, Mr Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State command, Mr Tijani Fatai, confirmed the incident on Tuesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters.

He said Mr Alebiosu reported the case on May 7, noting that two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were sent to him through a parcel.

“The managing director reported the matter to the police after a package containing two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was delivered on his behalf by his security guard at his residence. The case is still under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

According to him, the parcel was first received by the bank chief’s security guard, who then handed it over to him.

The police commissioner said that operatives have launched an investigation, including forensic analysis and intelligence work, to identify the perpetrators and the circumstances of the incident.

He added that no suspect linked to the crime has been brought into custody.

“Presently, no suspect is in custody. Even though the MD has mentioned some people whom he suspected of being the brains behind it, that is his suspicion, anyway. We are still working on it,” he said.

Mr Fatai noted that detectives are reviewing information provided by the complainant, including details of individuals who may have relevant knowledge of the incident.

He assured the public that the command would keep them informed as the investigations go on, adding that the public should allow the police to carry out their duties.

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Makinde Imposes 16-Hour Curfew in 10 Oyo Local Councils Over Insecurity

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state, as part of measures targeted at tackling insecurity.

According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The movement restriction, between 4 pm and 8 am, lasts for 48 hours in the first instance and affects local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

The affected local councils are Oriire local government (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile), Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho), Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi), Saki West (Headquarters: Saki), Saki East (Hq Ago-Amodu), Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede / Ago-Are), Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu), Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin), Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti), and Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo).

The development followed a series of protests that rocked the state over the abduction of children and teachers in the Orire Local Government Area in May.

The National Coordinator of the movement, Mr Juwon Sanyaolu, who spoke during the latest protest held on Monday, said the demonstration was part of ongoing efforts by the group to push for the freedom of the victims.

According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.”

“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.

“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West, and East of Nigeria,” Mr Sanyaolu said.

He also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of Nigerians.

“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive.

“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action,” he added.

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Alleged Wiretapping: El-Rufai to File No-Case Submission as DSS Closes Case

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Department of State Services (DSS) has closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, prosecuting counsel, Mr Oluwole Aladedoye, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling further witnesses in the matter, prompting the formal closure of the DSS case.

Following the development, defence counsel, Mr Paul Erokoro, told the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish sufficient evidence against the former governor.

The defence subsequently sought two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution requested two weeks to respond.

The defence also applied for a variation of some of the bail conditions earlier granted to El-Rufai, describing them as stringent and difficult to meet.

They argued that the bail terms were too stringent, particularly the requirements for level 17 civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna state traditional council.

However, the prosecution opposed the request, insisting that qualified public officers who meet the conditions exist and urging the court to refuse the application.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik declined the request to vary the bail conditions, ruling that there are civil servants who own properties at the said location.

The court, however, adjourned to September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and continuation of the trial.

In February, the federal government filed a three-count charge against the former governor of Kaduna State over an alleged interception of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu.

In a television interview, he confessed that he and other unnamed individuals listened to conversations from Mr Ribadu’s phone after it was tapped by a third party. While acknowledging that such interception is technically unlawful, he argued that illegal surveillance was not unusual.

However, the FG, through the secret police, filed charges against Mr El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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